Centre historique de Varsovie

Brève description

© OUR PLACE The World Heritage Collection

Valeur exceptionnelle

Varsovie a été délibérément détruite en 1944, en répression de la résistance polonaise face à l’occupant allemand. La capitale fut réduite en ruines, dans l’idée d’oblitérer la tradition séculaire de l’État polonais. La ville historique, détruite à 85 %, ne dut sa reconstruction qu’à la détermination des habitants et au soutien de la nation tout entière. La reconstruction de la vieille ville sous sa forme urbaine et architecturale historique incarna la volonté d’assurer la survie de l’un des témoignages les plus importants de la culture polonaise, et l’attention accordée à celui-ci. La ville – symbole de l’autorité élective et de la tolérance, où fut adoptée la première Constitution européenne démocratique, la Constitution du 3 mai 1791 – fut rebâtie. Cette reconstruction comprenait notamment la re-création totale du plan d’urbanisme, ainsi que le marché de la vieille ville, les maisons de ville, le circuit des remparts, le château royal et d’importants édifices religieux. La reconstruction du centre historique de Varsovie contribua énormément au changement des doctrines liées à l’urbanisation et à la conservation des développements urbains dans la plupart des villes d’Europe après la destruction causée par la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Dans le même temps, cet exemple illustre l’efficacité des activités de conservation dans la seconde moitié du XXe siècle, qui permit la reconstruction intégrale de ce complexe ensemble urbain.

Critère (ii) : Le lancement d’activités de conservation globales à l’échelle de toute une ville historique fut une expérience unique en Europe, qui contribua à la validation des doctrines et des pratiques de conservation.

Critère (vi) : Le centre historique de Varsovie est un exemple exceptionnel de reconstruction complète d’une ville délibérément et entièrement détruite. Cette reconstruction matérielle trouve son origine dans la force intérieure et la volonté sans faille de la nation, qui permit la reconstruction du patrimoine à une échelle unique dans l’histoire mondiale.

Description longue

The reconstruction of the historic centre of Warsaw, associated with events of considerable historic significance, has exercised a considerable influence, in the majority of European countries, on the evolution of doctrines of urbanization and the preservation of older districts of cities.

Following the insurrection of the inhabitants of Warsaw in August 1944, the Polish capital was annihilated in a reprisal by the Nazi occupation troops. From these ruins, between 1945 and 1966, the will of the nation brought to life again a city of which 85% had been destroyed. The reconstruction of the historic centre so that it is identical with the original symbolizes the will to ensure the survival of one of the prime settings of Polish culture and illustrates, in an exemplary fashion, the restoration techniques of the second half of the 20th century. The reconstruction of religious edifices such as the Cathedral of St John, the churches of Our Lady, St James and the Holy Trinity, and the palace, was accompanied by the integral restitution of the urban whole, with its full land allotment and its reconstruction. The example of the market place of the Old City is justifiably famous.

Warsaw Old Town was established in the 13th century. The heart of the area is the Old Town Market Square: until the end of the 18th century the square was the most important place in Warsaw; regular fairs and festivities were held here. During the Second World War the square was turned into rubble, but after many years of reconstruction it was restored to its original beauty. Surrounding streets feature old architecture such as the City Walls and the Barbican. The Cathedral of St John, completed in the 15th century, was originally a parish church and only became a cathedral in 1798. During the war it was destroyed but it has been restored to its original Gothic style. The interior of the cathedral features many works of religious art, tombs and various sculptures and paintings.

The Royal Castle is a magnificent example of the Baroque style, built in the 14th century. In 1569 King Zygmunt III Waza moved his residence there when Warsaw became the capital of Poland. Between 1598 and 1619 the king had the castle restyled as a polygon by Italian architects. In the 18th century King Augustus III converted the east wing into Baroque style, while King Stanislaw Poniatowski added sessions of the Royal Library. The Royal Castle served as both a residence for the kings as well as hosting sessions of the Sejm (Polish Parliament). It is now a museum displaying furniture, famous paintings and other great works of art. The fascinating interiors of the castle contain many original furnishings, statues, paintings and other objets d'art. Among the paintings are works by Bernardo Bellotto and Marcello Bacciarelli.

Almost every building in the Old Town, a blend of different styles from Gothic to Baroque, is old and of a unique architectural style. Among the other attractive historic structures are the many churches, the Barbican, the City Walls, Fukier House, Pelican House, Pod Blacha Palace and Salvator House.